As per the US Office of Dietary Supplements, magnesium is the fourth most ample mineral that assists our bodies with over 300 biochemical reactions, with about half of it stored in bones. Yet, over half of the United States does not have enough magnesium in their bodies. This may seem like no big deal to some women. But while many people try to ensure that their diets contain enough vitamin C and calcium, oftentimes they don’t see how important magnesium is to the proper functioning of their bodies. When you look at the signs of magnesium deficiency however, it can become quickly evident that you need more of this potent mineral in your diet or supplement. Magnesium deficiency symptoms in women are hard to single out and identify, and knowing what you are looking for will help tremendously to determine if you are deficient.
The problem with the symptoms of magnesium deficiency is that many of them mimic other everyday conditions. For instance, muscle cramps are extremely common symptoms of magnesium deficiency, but many women will write these off as side effects from exercise or a “pulled muscle” or “sleeping funny” or some other excuse that doesn’t identify the true source. Instead of pain reliever, consider instead magnesium for leg cramps and weakness, or similar symptoms elsewhere.
Another masked symptom is dizziness. Women, frequently afflicted with headaches (a very common magnesium deficiency sign), can shrug off their dizziness as merely symptoms of a migraine headache, when really what they are experiencing could be one of the common symptoms of magnesium deficiency. Fatigue is also common in deficient women, and is often explained away by a hectic lifestyle or menstruation.
As the severity of the mineral shortage worsens, so do the symptoms of magnesium deficiency. Muscle cramps can turn to spasms and tremors and other important mineral levels such as potassium can drop. Gastrointestinal changes can occur as well as symptoms of magnesium deficiency in later stages. A decrease in appetite and nausea and vomiting can exist alongside other symptoms.
Women who are affected by malabsorptive problems, such as gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, which on their own are responsible for a list of female health issues, are at a greater risk of developing symptoms of magnesium deficiency. Similarly, taking antibiotics, which increase the risk of candida overgrowth and many other harmful health concerns, may also hinder the absorption of this vital mineral.
Magnesium is an extremely important nutrient to the body. It affects the way other nutrients are used and absorbed and it is critical to muscle function. If you think that you may be experiencing a scarcity of magnesium, you may consider a supplement or a consultation with your health care provider to ensure that you are getting the proper levels of this major muscle maintenance man.
